Here's a remarque of my father: The possition of the tail isn't a sign of dominance The opening or closing of the anal glants is the real sign but we can't "smell" the sign. The tail goes upwards or downwards as a side effect. If the tail was a sign a papillion (with his tail curled over his back) would be percieved as being more dominant than a Malinois who wears his tail lower although the dominant dog is the malinois.
According to Ceasar a tail pointing up is a sign of dominance. In one episode a new male is introduced into his pack. His tail starts out straight up and immediately all the other dogs tails went from a neutral position to straight up.
Of course a tail between the legs is a sign of submission and a tail straight out is a neutral position.
I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but IMO this is a good general rule of thumb.
Amber Morgan Webboard User Reg: 10-18-2006
Posts: 1849
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Offline
Quote: keith jablonowski
According to Ceasar a tail pointing up is a sign of dominance. In one episode a new male is introduced into his pack. His tail starts out straight up and immediately all the other dogs tails went from a neutral position to straight up.
Of course a tail between the legs is a sign of submission and a tail straight out is a neutral position.
I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but IMO this is a good general rule of thumb.
We know that the tail pointing up can be a sign of dominance, but I think what Johan was saying (or how I took it anyway) is that maybe the tail goes up in dominance displays *because* it is a means to disperse scent to the other dogs. In other words, when a dog raises its tail, it opens the anal glands and sends out the smell signal.
Not an "is this true" thing...more of a "is this WHY this is true" sort of thing.
According to Ceasar a tail pointing up is a sign of dominance. In one episode a new male is introduced into his pack. His tail starts out straight up and immediately all the other dogs tails went from a neutral position to straight up.
Of course a tail between the legs is a sign of submission and a tail straight out is a neutral position.
I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but IMO this is a good general rule of thumb.
We know that the tail pointing up can be a sign of dominance, but I think what Johan was saying (or how I took it anyway) is that maybe the tail goes up in dominance displays *because* it is a means to disperse scent to the other dogs. In other words, when a dog raises its tail, it opens the anal glands and sends out the smell signal.
Not an "is this true" thing...more of a "is this WHY this is true" sort of thing.
Correct
otherwise dogs bred with tier tails upwards in a neutral possition would be dominant only because the way they are build. Like this little papilion at my feet that marches around the house with his tail straight up but she is submissive
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
Posts: 2665
Loc: AZ
Offline
I think that's an interesting theory and may have validity. I also think that it's not just a matter of the tail position but rather the dog's attitude that other dogs sense. We may look at the tail for signs but I don't think that's what dogs look at when they size each other up. Since their sense of smell is acute, Johan's father's remark sounds more probable than a tail position, but maybe their attitude sends off a general body scent as well, like we do in various situations. I think it's more in the eyes. In fact, when 2 dogs initially meet they don't seem to be looking at the other's tail for signs, they may look at each other's face, usually in the eyes, or they look away. If allowed to meet, they smell each other under the tail and gives credence to Johan's dad's theory. If not allowed to meet, they sometimes smell the air, maybe smelling for signs of the dog's general attitude.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
role of the tail as a sign of dominance
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
